Is weapon development moral?

[jernest]

My son recently earned his PhD in Aerospace Engineering and is working on developing swarms of drones that can communicate with and learn from one another in various warfare scenarios. What is the church’s position on those who development weapon and defense systems?

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

There is nothing inherently immoral about the production of weapons, morality is found in their use/purpose. Creating weapons to defend one’s country and the vulnerable is a good thing, creating weapons to wreak havoc and terror is immoral.
As long as your son is developing weapons for the defense of the vulnerable and to prevent unjust aggressors then he is actually performing a morally good work. If, however, he felt his work was advancing violence for immoral purposes then he should walk away from his work.

Catechism of the Catholic Church:

**2265 **Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for one who is responsible for the lives of others. The defense of the common good requires that an unjust aggressor be rendered unable to cause harm. For this reason, those who legitimately hold authority also have the right to use arms to repel aggressors against the civil community entrusted to their responsibility.